The firsts went down to a seven wicket defeat against a strong looking Horwich side on Saturday who proved their mettle the following day by trouncing Liverpool in the National Knockout.
Despite passing two hundred in only the second game of the season, it never really looked enough as the unseasonably hot April weather, along with Drew's expertise, had produced an excellent batting surface and a fast outfield. There was a welcome first half century for Caleb Donaldson and a positive run-a-ball 62 from skipper Sam in a total of 218-5 that was actually below par for the conditions as the strike rate faltered in a middle overs bloc that produced only 70 runs in 24 overs, strangled to a degree by some tight bowling that never allowed the batsmen to dominate.
Former Cliftoner Joe Brown perished early doors in the Horwich response, but that was all-she-wrote as far as bowling and fielding domination went as the Horwich batting line up eased comfortably to victory by seven wickets with three overs to spare.
It's been a tough opening for Sam's lads, with two of the best looking outfits on the fixture list in the first two games, but there were positives to report from both games with, hopefully, some easier contests on the horizon in the coming weeks.
The three pronged spin attack looks as though it could create problems in the right conditions and Gareth Cross will always take wickets. Ollie and Fin have only one wicket to their names so far, but that will quickly change as they get into their stride. With Caleb seemingly adapting to the conditions well and Sam looking in good nick with the bat, when the side clicks, they will be a match for anyone in the division on the day.